Doing What We Say

N.T.#259 "Doing What We Say"

March 9, 2024 

Matthew 23 

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus warns the crowds and His disciples about the religious leaders in this chapter. 

The scribes and Pharisees were:

•  good at telling others what to do but not good at carrying those instructions out themselves. they say and do not; (verse 3)
• weighing down the Jews with burdens (a task or service, something carried) that were grievous (hard, with difficulty) not lifting a finger to help; (verse 4)
• works done to be seen, for show, extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture inside and extra long tassels on their robes; (verse 5)
• sitting at the head of the table at banquets and seats of honor in the synagogues; (verse 6)
• loving to be called Rabbi, as an respectful greeting in the marketplaces. (verse 7)

Those religious leaders were not a living example of what they were teaching. 

LET IT GROW

We are to be doing what we say, an example of our teachings. 

What can we learn from them?

• Practice what we preach/teach , .Be doers of the Word, not just hearers. Live integrity and not as a hypocrite.
• Live by standards that are reachable for common people. Show sympathy and love.
• Don't do things for show, but with humility model life like Jesus did.
• Watch what we say, where we sit, every word we utter, act we perform, and title we have for the glory of God, not ourselves.

 Are we helping others come to Jesus or are we complaining about people in the church? Are we drawing attention to how "holy we are?" Do we sit in places of honor instead of dwelling among servants? How does our family, friends, the lost, and church people perceive us? Are we loving others as ourself?

LET IT GO

Love and serve others, letting go of pride.

Love and serve Jesus, not ourself.

Live what we say.